Worldwide:

History of the 3100 Mile Race

By Rupantar LaRussoauthor bio »

Thursday, 3 June, 2010

About the author:

Rupantar has been the race director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1985, having been asked by Sri Chinmoy to serve in that capacity. As well as working on the big races the US Marathon Team organise each year - the 3100 Mile Race and the Six and 10 Day Race - he also spends a considerable amount of time archiving the Marathon Team's 40 year history on this website.

Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race, June 19 to August 9, 2016

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team is proud to offer the Twentieth Annual Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race. In this grand test of endurance and survival, a small group of athletes attempt to negotiate 5649 laps of a .5488 of a mile course (883 meters) in the timespan of 52 days- an amazing challenge. This is the longest certified footrace in the world; runners must average 59.62 miles per day to finish within the 52-day limit. The serious athlete must have tremendous courage, physical stamina, concentration and the capacity to endure fatigue, boredom and minor injuries. The predecessor of this very race was the 2700 Mile Race (held in 1996), in which five intrepid runners finished the distance well within the 47-day time limit. In 1997,Sri Chinmoy, race founder, upped the distance to 3100 miles. Two runners finished the inaugural 3100 Mile race in less than 51 days, showing that athletes indeed believed in self-transcendence.

Roots

The SCMT has been sponsoring multiday races in the New York area for over 30 years. In 1985 we offered our first 1000-mile race in Flushing Meadows Park, the first of its kind in this hemisphere in this century. Three runners actually completed the distance in the allowed timeframe. In 1987 Sri Chinmoy increased his vision of the running world. He felt that a longer race of 1,300 miles would inspire a challenge for the ultra marathon runners. The Ultra Trio was born- a set of three ultra races of 700, 1,000 and 1,300 miles. World-class distance specialists began to attempt the increasingly difficult mileages.

The Marathon Team held national and world championship events in 1988 and 1989 at Flushing Meadows Park. The 1988 1,000-mile event was the I.A.U. (International Association of Ultrarunners) World Championship. Yiannis Kouros of Greece ran 1,000 miles in 10 days, 10 hours, breaking the previous record by 1 1/2 days. Suprabha Beckjord of Washington D.C. won the women's 700-mile race in American Record time. Sandra Barwick of New Zealand set a new world standard for women at 1000 miles in 14 days, 20 hours. One year later Al Howie of Scotland became the first person to complete the 1,300-mile distance in a certified race (17 days 9 hours).

1989 saw the women's world best for 1000 miles claimed by Suprabha Beckjord as she broke Sandra Barwick's time by a mere 27 minutes. The 1991 Ultra Trio had a field of over 60 runners for all three races- unheard of considering the great distances being attempted. Al Howie came back to break his own record for 1,300 miles by 13 hours and Sandy Barwick became the first woman to run 1,300 miles in a certified race; as well she smashed the 1,000 standard by two days! In 1992 Beckjord returned to join the super elite group who have run 1,300 miles in a certified race, which totals ten men and seven women. In the 1993 1,300 miler, Istvan Sipos of Hungary broke Al Howie’s record by nearly two hours. In 1994 Antana Locs of Canada won the 1300 miler overall, and was the first person to ever complete the 1300 three times. In 1995 Georgs Jermolajevs of Latvia broke the world mark for 1300 miles in 16 days 14 hours.

A New Frontier, the 2,700-Mile Race: 1996

Georgs Jermolajevs returned for victory in 1996 in the Sri Chinmoy 2700 Mile Race. He astounded the running world with a fabulous victory in 40 days 11 hours, an average of 66.7 miles a day, leading four other finishers across the line. Suprabha Beckjord became the first female to finish the 2700 miler in 43 days 1 hour.

The First 3,100-Mile Race: 1997

Then Sri Chinmoy announced a longer race would be held the following year. In 1997, Edward Kelley of California conquered the heat and humidity of the New York summer to win the inaugural 3100-mile race in 47 days, 15 hours- averaging 65.1 miles per day. Suprabha Beckjord became first female ever to finish 3100 miles in 51 days two hours. The runners managed the equivalent of New York to California on foot. In 1998, Istvan Sipos of Hungary outdueled Ed Kelley, leading four finishers across the line in 46 days 17 hours, a remarkable 66.3 miles per day. Five starters in 1999 were subject to temperatures reaching between 90º and 100ºF for much of a record setting July, but somehow Edward Kelley won for the second time in 48 days 12 hours. In 2000, the four starters experienced cooler days, with three finishers led by Ashprihanal Aalto of Finland in 47 days, 13 hours. Mr. Aalto repeated his win in 2001 in a small field with three finishers.

The number of finishers doubled in 2002 as Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk of Germany broke the world best by over four days in 42 days 13 hours, averaging an astounding 72.8 miles per day. Ashprihanal Aalto also slipped under the previous record by a few hours to finish second, and Suprabha Beckjord made her sixth finish in as many attempts. In the 2003 race, Namitabha Arsic from Yugoslavia prevailed over a field of seven. Suprabha continued her string of finishes with seven straight. Ashprihanal Aalto returned to win again in 2004 in a personal best of 46 days six hours. Suprabha won again for eight straight finishes. In 2005 Ayojan Stojanovich of Serbia surprised with a fastest first time victory in 46 days 10 hours. Suprabha Beckjord kept her streak alive with nine in a row.

Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk Sets 3,100-Mile Record in 2006

2006 was a record year again as 15 starters were led by the stupendous performance of Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk. He eclipsed his own record by 29 hours (41 days, eight hours), which was the top performance of all-time. Suprabha Beckjord made it ten straight with another finish. Mr. Schwerk pulled the first ten finishers to personal bests as well. In 2007 Ashprihanal Aalto won again in a new personal best of 43 days four hours, his seventh finish. He remains the second fastest man all-time at 3100 miles.

With the sudden passing of our beloved Sri Chinmoy in October of 2007, the Marathon Team vowed to continue the multiday races in memory of his inspiration and vision. Ashprihanal Aalto repeated again in 2008, 2009,and 2010 as the winner, making it seven victories. Suprabha Beckjord reached 13 consecutive finishes- the most ever. She was also the oldest finisher in 2009 at age 53.In 2011, Sarvagata Mikhailo Ukrainskyi of the Ukraine ran the fastest first time performance in 44 days13 hours to claim victory. Surasa Mairer of Austria became only the second woman in history to complete the race. In 2012 four-time finisher from Australia Grahak Cunningham became only the third man to ever average 70 plus miles per day, winning the race in 43 days+10:36:39. There were no women in the race for the first time ever.
2013 saw Russian Vasu Duzhiy win in a close race in 47 days, five hours. Austrian Surasa Mairer ran to the women’s victory in 50 days,4 hours, becoming the oldest finisher ever at age 54. Three women in the race made it the largest female participation ever as the field reached 12 runners again. Ashprihanal Aalto completed twelve 3100 milers, a men’s best total. In 2014 the race enjoyed the coolest temperatures in summer here in New York over the last 20 years. The result was eight finishers, seven runners reaching personal bests. Sarvagata Ukrainskyi finished first in a PB of 44 days, six hours. Sarah Barnett became the second fastest woman ever in 50 days, three hours, her first finish. And Scotsman William Sichel became the first person over 60 to finish the longest race, reaching the coveted finish line in 50 days,15 hours.

Ashprihanal Aalto Sets New Record-2016

In 2016, all things seemed to fly with the winds of self-transcendence. Ashprihanal Aalto ran an amazing race, breaking Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk’s previous record by over 23 hours, reaching 3100 miles in 40 days+09:06:21. He averaged 76.776 miles per day(123.559 km) a full 3km per day better than the German legend. Surasa Mairer reached heights unknown for the ladies, breaking Suprabha Beckjord’s 17 year record in 49 days +07:52:01 (62.848 miles per day,101.144 km) at age 56. Six of the top eight runners registered personal bests.

The cornerstone of Sri Chinmoy's philosophy is the expression of self-transcendence- going beyond personal limits and reaching new levels of inner and outer perfection. Whether it be in the athletic world or any endeavor, for someone to transcend his previous achievements is inner progress and an expression of a new determination, which can only bring us closer to our destined goal- real satisfaction. We offer our best wishes to all the seeker-runners who share a dream of going where few have ever gone. The twentieth running of this 3100 mile race will be testament to the new horizons of the running world, as again, 12 runners will toe the line. This is another step in mankind’s inevitable progression, according to the remarkable vision of Sri Chinmoy:

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team articles - more articles

Pradeep Radio Interview on KBS Kyoto Radio, Japan

By Rupantar LaRussoauthor bio »

22 October, 2017

About the author:

Rupantar has been the race director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1985, having been asked by Sri Chinmoy to serve in that capacity. As well as working on the big races the US Marathon Team organise each year - the 3100 Mile Race and the Six and 10 Day Race - he also spends a considerable amount of time archiving the Marathon Team's 40 year history on this website.

The following is a translation of the KBS Radio interview by Ms. Harashita Sunaoshi:

Teach Us! Fun Run

Let’s Run aired October 22

“The World’s Longest Certified Race 3100 Race”

I (the runner-host Ms. Junko Wakabayashi, aka Waka) interviewed Mr. Pradeep Hoogakker from the Netherlands, who completed this race in 53 days and 9 hours in 2011!! (with the translator Ms. Harashita Sunaoshi)

“3100 Mile Race”

Started by Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in New York in 1997, continuing for 20 years.

3100 miles = 4989km (approximately 5000km)

Race Track: 5649 laps of a 880m-long loop

Cut-off: 52 days (To complete, the runner has to run at the pace of 95.9km per day.)

Note: In the year Mr. Pradeep did the race, the cut-off was extended to 54 days due to the extreme heat.

39 runners completed in the 20 years

The race track was open every day from 7am to 12 midnight.

7000 to 10000kcal must be consumed each day, equivalent of one week’s food intake for a person with normal activities.

The kitchen crew cooks customized food for each runner.

The runners use up 10 to 12 pairs of shoes.

Average temperature: 30C, Humidity: 80-95%

Waka: What brought you to the race?

Pradeep: One day, while I was meditating after having a good run, the idea of running the 3100 mile race spontaneously came to my heart and I felt inner thrill. I had been to the race a few times as a helper before. I got advice from the runners then, and trained myself for 6 years. I trained to run long distances, starting from 10km a day, 40km once a week, and up to 100km once a month. I also practised how to eat while running, as well as trying different running outfits and shoes.

Waka: And the actual race came. Didn’t you get bored running 5649 laps?

Pradeep: Everybody asks that question! Actually, many ultra races have loops instead of a straight route. It actually makes a lot of sense since you can have your own table where you can put your belongings such as shoes and supplements. Also, you feel everybody is running together—from the fastest to the slowest ones in the race. We can inspire each other, and we feel oneness, which is really good.

Waka: Still, it’s sooo long. How did you keep your motivation?

Pradeep: We told different jokes to each other!

Waka: What was most difficult?

Pradeep: The first 10 days were really difficult. My feet were not used to running on concrete; at night, my whole body ached and could not sleep. My mind started thinking, “How can I run tomorrow being like this?,” which made me sleepless. But as weeks went by, I learned that I could run even if I had not been able to sleep the night before. Something within myself recovered with renewed energy.

Waka: What was most moving?

Pradeep: There were many things. I felt oneness, and one morning, as I watched the sun rise, I felt as if the sun was rising inside my own heart. And I felt: This is life…!

Waka: You experienced Life…yet, your feet must have been…?

Pradeep: All blisters! Can I say something gross?

Waka: No thank you! Did you discover something new about yourself?

Pradeep: I realized I had a tendency to feel sorry for myself. So I had to conquer that. I could not complete the race unless I could truly feel I could do it. The process of overcoming my weaknesses became a valuable experience.

Waka: Has your life perspective changed after the race?

Pradeep: Yes. The wonderful experiences during the race stay inside myself even after the race finished. I feel that happiness means progress; going forward. In ordinary life, many times we think we are going forward but are actually going round and round in the same place. But in this race, though we were running round and round, I felt I was going forward. Those are what I learned through the race. My weaknesses unavoidably came forward so I had no choice but to conquer them, which led to joy and happiness.

Waka: What is your goal now?

Pradeep: There are many. Everybody needs a new goal. My first aim is to improve my marathon time, from 3 hours 4 minutes to under 3 hours. I also want to write a book about my 3100 race experiences. Most importantly, I feel Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy “Self-Transcendence” is wonderful. No matter what field you are in, the important thing is to transcend yourself.

Waka: You have said so much today that resonate with our souls: ‘Continuous self-transcendence,’ ‘Importance of feeling inner thrill in your heart’, and ‘Happiness means progress’.

Dear listeners, are you doing something that thrills your heart? Are you trying to transcend yourself now? Yes, you can start today! I was so moved to meet Mr. Pradeep. Thank you so much!

View full article »

Media coverage: First Kiwi woman to finish world's longest footrace

By Rupantar LaRussoauthor bio »

10 September, 2017

About the author:

Rupantar has been the race director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1985, having been asked by Sri Chinmoy to serve in that capacity. As well as working on the big races the US Marathon Team organise each year - the 3100 Mile Race and the Six and 10 Day Race - he also spends a considerable amount of time archiving the Marathon Team's 40 year history on this website.

On August 8, Harita Davies became the first New Zealand woman to finish the 3100 Mile Race, breaking the overall NZ record in the process. Her fellow New Zealanders seem to be pretty inspired by it, as evidenced by the amount of media coverage she has received! Here are links to some of the interviews:

TVNZ's News One programme, as well as appearances on the Breakfast Show

In one of the interviews, when asked about different problems during the race, Harita replied:

"I've had shin spints and ankle problems, probably every part of by body has had problems, but the amazing thing is that the human body has this incredible capacity to go on and to heal itself…Sri Chinmoy really promoted these races as a way to tap into the unlimited potential that we all have within ourselves and to go far beyond the problems of the mind, because the mind will always say that its impossible."